What to Wear: Sunflower Photoshoot Outfits
In the Blue Mountains, Ontario, we are surrounded by an abundance of farmland and greenery, which makes for stunning scenery for family photoshoots. Orchards and flower fields are popular seasonal locations in the area.
I am fortunate to partner with Blue Mountain Berry Co., located in the heart of Thornbury, to offer Sunflower Mini Portrait Sessions each year. The sunflower season in the Blue Mountains is typically late July and early August, during a 2-3 week window. This short timeframe is why these photo sessions tend to be quite sought after! My personal preference is to shoot sunflower photos during golden hour, which offers a gentle, diffused light that adds a magical touch. The vibrant colors and lush greenery of the beautiful sunflower fields provide a stunning backdrop for family photos.
My aim to create timeless portraits that reflect the joy and beauty of this season. As soon as sunflower photo sessions are booked, the next question is typically “what should my family wear?” In this post I offer guidance for putting together great family outfits, so that everyone feels confident and has a good time!
Choosing the Perfect Outfit for Your Family Portraits
1. Dressing up versus dressing down:
Ultimately, whether you choose to dress up or dress down for your sunflower portrait session is a matter of personal preference. Some families may feel most themselves in casual, everyday attire, while others may relish the opportunity to get dressed up. The most important thing is to wear outfits that reflect your unique style and personality, ensuring that you feel comfortable, confident, and authentically yourself throughout the photoshoot.
A denim jumpsuit, a jean jacket, or your favorite pair of jeans often create a classic, put-together, laid-back vibe. Pairing navy with solid-colored t-shirts in hues that complement the sunflower field’s backdrop, like crisp whites and soft pastels, together can all make a statement without overpowering the natural beauty of the setting.
If you prefer a softer, more romantic feel to your images, a flowy dress, in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, are a great way to embody the carefree spirit of late summer. Choose dresses in soft, muted tones that complement the sunflowers.
Whatever you choose, remember this is in a dirt field so you will get dusty and dirty (some cases even muddy). Don’t wear something that you will be worried about getting dirty.
2. Best Colours to Wear
When it comes to choosing colours for your sunflower photoshoot, think light, airy, and complementary to the vibrant hues of the flowers.
Consider opting for:
- White: Crisp white garments provide a classic look and serve as a beautiful backdrop against the sunny backdrop of the sunflowers.
- Light Neutrals: Neutral colors like soft beige, cream, and light gray are perfect for adding subtle elegance to your photos.
- Pastels: Gentle pastel shades like blush pink, baby blue, and lavender add a touch of whimsy without overpowering the natural beauty of the sunflowers. Even softer, lighter shades of yellow can look pretty against the yellow sunflower colour.
- Navy: A deep blue hue like navy offers a striking contrast to the bright yellow flowers.
Avoid wearing:
- All black: While chic, black garments can appear too harsh against the cheerful backdrop of sunflowers.
- Dark Green: Deeper shades of green may be too similar to the green of the stalks and leaves of the with the tall sunflowers. The idea is for your family to stand out, not blend in!
3. Patterns
For a sunflower photoshoot, it’s best to keep patterns subtle and small-scale to avoid overwhelming the natural beauty of the surroundings. Solid coloured clothing is often the easiest to work with, but if you like a bit of pattern, opt for clothing items with delicate florals, tiny polka dots, or understated stripes that add visual interest without competing with the sunflowers. Larger, bolder prints (especially large floral prints) can look busy and detract from the main focus of the photos.
In general, I would suggest to limit the number of patterns in everyone’s outfits. Combining different kinds of patterns can be tricky business visually. Instead, pick one patterned item and pair it with other solid coloured clothing items.
4. Footwear
Ensure comfort and style by selecting appropriate footwear for your sunflower portrait session:
- Sandals and Flats: Comfortable sandals or flats in neutral tones complement the relaxed, summery vibe of the photoshoot.
- Avoid Heels: Steer clear of high heels, which can sink into the soft earth of the sunflower field and cause discomfort during the session.
- Avoid Running Shoes with Brand Logos: While running shoes may be comfortable, logos and branding can detract from the timeless elegance of your photos. However, don’t stress if that’s all your kiddos will wear.
5. Accessorizing for Your Sunflower field pictures
In addition to selecting the perfect outfits, consider adding subtle accessories that complement the natural beauty of the sunflowers:
- Sun Hats: Stylish straw hats not only protect you from the sun but also add a touch of charm to your photos. However, avoid baseball hats as they often cast harsh shadows on faces and take away from the overall aesthetic of the image.
- Flowy Scarves: Lightweight scarves in soft, pastel shades can add movement and elegance to your portraits.
- Simple Jewelry: Opt for dainty earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that add a hint of sparkle without overpowering the simplicity of the sunflower field.
Preparing for Your Sunflower Portrait Session
Are you including a number of people in your photos? Coordinating your family members’ outfits can create a cohesive and harmonious look in your photos. Start by selecting a color scheme or theme and then mix and match different shades and textures within that palette. Incorporating accent colours or accessories like scarves, jewelry, or bow ties can add visual interest and tie everyone’s outfits together.
Our neutral colours are:
Our accent colours are:
What patterns are we including?
Remember, there are no hard rules when it comes to choosing outfits for your family session. Personal preference, comfort, and individual style should always take precedence. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear outfits that make you feel confident and reflect your family’s unique personality.
MY DO'S AND DON'TS FOR WHAT TO WEAR
- Avoid logos on clothing.
- No baseball hats. Hats with brims cast harsh shadows on faces and make it difficult to see your expressions
- Iron everything, even new clothing items (lingering fold lines).
- Check for stains and pet hair. If possible have a lint roller on hand to carry with you (those pet hairs seem to appear out of nowhere!)
- Wear clothes that fit well. Try on your outfit in advance and practice sitting, standing and walking in it.
The best way to minimize stress the day of the photoshoot is to plan ahead. Getting your family dress and ready, especially if you have small children can be overwhelming enough. Give yourself plenty of time to plan – It is best to not wait until that morning to choose what you are going to wear. Start to gather the clothing items you already have, and figure out what you may still need to purchase to create the overall look.
A sunflower portrait session in the Blue Mountains offers a magical opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones amidst the beauty of nature. By carefully selecting your outfits, coordinating colors, and embracing the golden glow of the sunflowers, you can create stunning family photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Ready to book your sunflower photoshoot? Click the button below to find out details about my upcoming Mini Session Dates.
Alexa is a personal branding and family photographer in Collingwood, Blue Mountains, Thornbury, Grey Bruce and beyond. Click here to find out more about her services.
